The support of parents, principal Brian Cote said, is a major reason why St. Mary’s has been able to keep such programs intact.

“It’s one of our priorities,” Cote said. “Our parents are very invested and supportive.”

Parent Sandy Thomas said she looked into a number of elementary schools before settling on St. Mary’s. The use of technology in the classrooms and a commitment to art and music appealed greatly to her.

“My son’s in pre-school, and he’s learning Spanish,” she said.

“Our mission is to provide a challenging, well-rounded Catholic education,” Cote said. “We are looking at the whole child. We are looking at each child individually.”

Speaking about the school’s commitment to technology, Cote said the school got all new computers in its computer lab this year.

“By the end of first grade, our students are able to create Power Point presentations,” he said.

St. Mary’s, which is in its 103rd year, saw a decline in enrollment two years ago, but numbers have held steady this year, Cote said.

“The decline is nationwide in Catholic schools,” Cote said. “It’s a reflection of the economy.”

Tuition is $4,600 for pre-K students and $4,100 for students in grades K-5.

“The main thing, even in challenging times, is we do have flexible tuition plans,” Cote said. “Some financial aid is available.”

The total current enrollment is 265, and average class sizes are at 17 students.

Students of all faiths are allowed to attend St. Mary’s, and the school has many non-Catholic pupils.

St. Mary’s is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

“One of the myths is that our teachers are not certified,” Cote said. “They are all certified and keep up on their professional development each year.”

Parent Jack Goetz said that it was the quality and dedication of the teachers, and also the school’s varied academic and extra-curricular offerings, that led him to enroll his daughter Wendy at St. Mary’s.

Schiller, who has two sons at St. Mary’s, recalled transferring the boys out of another school because they were unhappy. The children, she said, have thrived since coming to St. Mary’s and enjoy the school’s tight-knit atmosphere.

“Here, we have the ability to be a family,” she said.

Page 2 of 2 - On Sunday, when parochial schools across the country kick off Catholic Schools Week, St. Mary’s will hold its annual open house for interested parents and students from 10 a.m. to noon.

“Our goal going into next year is to increase enrollment,” Cote said. “We’ll continue to provide state-of the art infrastructure.”